Collapsible table



April 5, 1932.

F. A. ORTON ET AL,

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE Filed Jan. 25, 1929 Patented Apr. 5, 1932 UNITE STATS PATENT oFF-ICE FRANK AUBREY ORTON, OF CBEMORNE, NEAR SYDNEY, AND REGINALD CECIL TI-IVOENE,

F MOSVAN, NEAR SYDNEY, NEVI' SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA COLLAPSIBLE TABLE Application filed January 25, 1929, Serial No. 335,064, and in Australia April 30, 1928.

llhis invention relates to a collapsible table adapted particularly for use within a motorcar or like vehicle although it may be used elsewhere if desired.

Such table is of the hinged type and is adapted to be attached to a vertical or sub stantially vertical wall or support; it has means whereby it can be supported in horizontal position when required for use, or

swung downwardly to vertical position when it is not in use.

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which the invention is illustrated in one embodiment thereof, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the table; Fig. 2 an end elevation thereof when in erected position; Fig. 3 detail sectional elevational view correspondn ing with Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 sectional detail view of ratchet wheel and cooperating tooth if" member.

The table is provided with a metal edging 1 and with a top 2 of rubber or other suitable material; the bottom 3 of the table may be of polished metal which may be utilized as a if' mirror if required. The metal edging 1 may be curved inwardly to receive the material of the top 2 of the table.

At opposite ends of the metal edging 1 of the table are pintles 4; the latter may be fur- 31 nished with removable ornamental knobs 5;

such pintles 4 are adapted to fit bearings 6 which are integral with supporting brackets 7. The supporting bearings 6 may be split and a pinching screw 8 may be provided for 37 adjusting tension between the bearings 6 and the pintles 4. The brackets 7 may be axed to the back of the front seat of a motor-car or other appropriate support.

To the edging 1 on the underside of the table is aliixed a transverse member 9. Such member 9 has ixed thereto a ratchet wheel 10 on a pin 11, the latter also having pivoted thereto at connection 12 for a hollow stay element 13. Y

Such element113 has a cap 14 at one end thereof; through the cap extends a rod 15 one portion 16 of which is formed as a plunger, the inner end thereof being Jfashioned with a tooth 17 adapted when required to engage one or other of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 10. At the outer end of the rod. 15 is pivotally connected a pressure or rest plate 18 of suitable construction and material. Within the stay 13 and surrounding the rod 15 is a compressible coil spring 19 the opposite ends of which abut respectively the cap 14 and one end of the plunger 16.

vWhen the table is to be erected into horizontal position thereof shown in full lines in Fig. 2 it is only necessary to swing the table upwardly on the pintles 4 and also to swing the stay 13 downwardly on the pin 11 whereby the pressure or rest plate 18 will bear against the support for the brackets 7. In suoli swinging movement of the sta-y 13 the tooth 17 will ride over teeth of the ratchet wheel 10 but when the plate 18 is properly positioned against the support for the brackets 7 the tooth 17 will engage with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 10 and the table will thus be securely supported in horizontal position.

To lower the table to vertical position in relation to the support for the brackets 7 it is only necessary to eXert downward pressure on the plate 18 and rod 15 against the action of the spring 19 whereby the tooth 17 will be disengaged from the ratchet wheel 10. The stay 13 can then be swung inwardly and the table lowered as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

Vhat we claim as our invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A collapsible table comprising a table top and means for hingably connecting said top to a vertically disposed support, a stay pivotally connected at one end to the table top and capable of being folded thereagainst, a pressure plate on the other end of said stay adapted to bear against said support, and means for holding said stay in adjusted angular position with respect to said table top to horizontally support the table top, said stay holding means including a ratchet carried by the table and cooperat ing tooth means carried by the stay.

2. A collapsible table according to claim 1, in which the connecting means for the tabletop comprise a bearing which is adjustable in relation to and adapted to firmly embrace cooperating pivotal means on said table and on the support for said table.

3. A collapsible table comprising a table top adapted to be hingedly attached to a b vertically dispsed support, a tubular stay pivoted at one end to the table top and capable of being folded thereagainst, a pressure plate on the other end of said stay adapted to bear against said support, a. ratchet Wheel m fixed to the table, a rod slidable Within the tubular stay, a tooth on one end of said rod adapted to engage the ratchet Wheel, and a compressible coil spring housed in the stay and adapted normally to keep said tooth on the rod in engagement with said ratchet Wheel. y In testimony whereof We aihx our signatures.

' FRANK AUBREY ORT'ON. 2() REGINALD CECIL THORNE. 

